The Ten Commandments From a Seventh-day Adventist Perspective

Ever eaten a salad and gotten a big piece of green stuck in your teeth? And you didn’t realize it was there until you looked in the mirror? (Because no one ever told you!)

Once you noticed it, did you rub your tooth against the mirror to clean it?

Of course not!

The purpose of the mirror is to show you the food in your teeth—not clean the food out.

The Ten Commandments (also called the Decalogue or the Law of Moses) were established in the Old Testament to serve a similar purpose. They can’t do anything to forgive us or cleanse us. But they show us what sin is and isn’t—and they help us understand how the kingdom of God works.

For this reason, Seventh-day Adventists view the Ten Commandments as the foundation for a Christian life. They teach us how to love God and how to love others.

We allow them to shape our daily decisions—not as a means of earning salvation, but because Jesus Christ has saved us and we want to live by His principles of love.

Let’s delve into this topic by answering the following questions:

What is the role of the Ten Commandments for Adventists?

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) are our guidelines for Christian living—which really boils down to love toward God and our fellow human beings. They help us recognize what sin is, or what practices and behaviors are contrary to acts based on love.

Then, they lead us to Jesus—the only one who can cleanse us, set us on the right path, and empower us to live in a way that reflects His love, grace, and mercy.

Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of the Law of God. When asked what the greatest commandment is, He said:

“‘…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands’” (Matthew 22:37-40, CSB).

In other words, Jesus summarized it as love to God and love to humankind.

And this law is the foundation of who God is (Psalm 119:172; Jeremiah 23:6)—meaning that it existed even before God gave it to Moses on Mount Sinai.

God gave it to the people of Israel because they had just come out of slavery in Egypt and needed to be reminded of the principles of the kingdom of God.

It was almost like having to parent young children. They had to learn all over again what it really meant to love God and others.

The first four commandments have to do with our relationship with God:

1. Having no other gods (Exodus 20:3)
2. Not worshiping idols (Exodus 20:4-6)
3. Respecting God’s name (Exodus 20:7)
4. Setting aside the Sabbath to spend with Him (Exodus 20:8-11)

And the last six show us how to relate to others:

5. Honoring parents (Exodus 20:12)
6. Not murdering (Exodus 20:13)
7. Not committing adultery (Exodus 20:14)
8. Not stealing (Exodus 20:15)
9. Being honest (Exodus 20:16)
10. Not coveting (Exodus 20:17)

By showing us these things, the Ten Commandments point out sin to us. Sin is breaking the law (1 John 3:4), or when we fail to love God or others. When we sin, the Ten Commandments reflect to us what/how we’ve done wrong, and the Holy Spirit helps bring about this conviction within us. Then, we turn to Jesus for cleansing and forgiveness.

The apostle Paul explains this idea:

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet’” (Romans 7:7, NKJV).

He’s referring to the Ten Commandments because He mentions the tenth one as an example.

Paul goes on to make a critical point in Romans 7. The Ten Commandments show us how to live, but they can’t change our hearts (Romans 7:14-25). We would continue to struggle and fail if it weren’t for Jesus Christ, who writes His law on our hearts, helps us to mature in our character, and keeps us from falling back into the grasp of sin (Hebrews 8:10; Jude 24-25).

Why are the Ten Commandments important to us?

 A man standing on a mountain with arms outstretched

Photo by Jason Hogan on Unsplash

The Ten Commandments are important to Adventists, first and foremost, because they are important to God. They are evidence of the way He has changed our lives. They also benefit our lives in countless ways, making them more enjoyable, peaceful, and harmonious.

Jesus Himself told His disciples:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV).

And though this verse reads like an instruction, it’s a description of what those who love Jesus do.

When we love Him, it’s natural to obey Him.

After Jesus’ time as a human on earth, the New Testament writer James gave the following instruction to all Christians—both Jews and non-Jews:

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:8-12, NKJV).

There’s no question which royal law James was referring to—he gives examples directly from the Ten Commandments. And he calls it the “law of liberty,” recognizing that true freedom comes from having healthy boundaries that respect the rights of others.

While keeping God’s law is loyalty toward Him, it also greatly benefits us. It promotes our peace and happiness as the Word of God emphasizes:

“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (Proverbs 3:1-2, NKJV).

Liberty, a long life, peace—things we’d all like to have!

And the Ten Commandments make those qualities possible in so many areas of our lives:

  • Morality and ethics—We live in a way that respects God and others.
  • Home—We live with a focus on God and eternity rather than ourselves. This helps us to approach challenges with a selfless perspective and live in harmony with our family members.
  • Social—The commandments set boundaries for our relationships, enabling them to flourish. They create a place of safety so that we can trust our loved ones.
  • Work—When put into practice, they help us demonstrate consideration, integrity, and respect. This can be evident in the work we do, and overflow among the people we work with and the environment we work within.
  • Society and government—They provide principles that help us establish effective laws of conduct and fairness, and they help us uphold the value of each human being.

Truly, imagine what the world would be like if everyone kept the commandments!

No murder, no child abuse, no affairs.

No disrespect of property, no theft, no dishonesty.

We can’t even comprehend it because of our sinful, evil world. But as Adventists, we strive to reflect this ideal and make the world a better place. Here’s what that looks like.

How do Adventists apply the commandments to their daily lives?

Keeping the commandments is more than just agreeing with them in theory. It’s more than posting a plaque on the wall. And though we most definitely see the Sabbath as an important commandment that should not be overlooked, we value all of the commandments and believe in practicing them in our lives.

In short, this looks like living out the selfless love of Christ.

But let’s get some more details.

1. “You shall have no other gods before me”

The first commandment is about making God foremost in our lives.

Though we may not bow down or worship another deity, things in our lives can become “gods” that consume our time and attention. For example, someone could be so driven to make money that it slowly becomes the god of their lives—because that’s what they put all their effort, time, and thought into (Matthew 6:24).

In following the first commandment, we choose an eternal perspective rather than getting caught up with what we want, or even what we think we need. We seek His kingdom first rather than allowing things, ideas, people, or activities—even good ones—to rule our lives (Matthew 6:33).

On a practical level, it may look like:

  • Taking time for “devotions”—prayer and Bible study—each day
  • Memorizing Scripture to meditate on throughout the day
  • Setting times in the day for family worship
  • Making decisions according to God’s principles
  • Keeping Him and His will as your highest priority

2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image [idol]”

Adventists obey this commandment by choosing not to use any objects to worship God—such as rosaries, crucifixes, incense, prayer beans, etc. That reduces the risk that the object becomes more of a focus than the God who deserves the worship.

But more than that, this commandment is a continuation of the first one. It leads us to be careful of any idols in our lives—things we can end up assigning more worth or priority in our lives than God, such as relationships, money, possessions, dreams for the future, or even ministry. Anything we can “idolize” can become an idol if we search for satisfaction and fulfillment from it instead of in God.

3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain”

Most commonly, this commandment is regarded to mean that we should speak about God’s name in a respectful way. Yet respect for His name goes beyond what we say.

We have to ask ourselves:

If we profess to be Christians, His followers, do we live in a way that honors that name?

Are we accurately representing a loving, all-powerful God?

We also have to ask ourselves if we’re using the name of God for purposes that are “in vain,” or fruitless or meaningless in comparison to His perfect will.

For example, if someone tells another person to donate money to their personal ministry project “because God wants you to be generous”…that’s using God’s name in vain.

Yes, God wants us to be generous people! But no one has license to use God’s name to fit their own ambitions, needs, or goals, however justified or “right” those might seem.

Following this commandment means aspiring to live our lives with integrity toward the God we worship.

4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”

An Adventist Church building where members gather on Sabbath to worship

Photo by Pixabay

This commandment is the reason Adventists uphold the seventh-day Sabbath as a day of rest.

On this day, we avoid our daily work and instead focus on activities that nurture our relationship with God and with others, such as:

  • Attending church to worship God
  • Spending time with other believers
  • Going for a walk in nature
  • Singing at a nursing home
  • Visiting and encouraging people who are sick
  • Reading the Bible or another spiritual book
  • And so much more!

5. “Honor your father and mother”

Honoring parents is about respecting them, seeking to meet their wishes, and following their godly counsel.

The apostle Paul expands on this verse in Ephesians 6:1:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (NKJV).

We are always called to respect our parents, but Paul clarifies that we should only obey them when doing so does not conflict with obeying the Lord.

In this command, God also calls us to respect and honor others who are older than us or in authority over us—such as grandparents, teachers, mentors, employers, and government officials.

6. “You shall not murder”

The command against murder specifically applies to killing someone with the intent of hate. Jesus Himself noted that holding onto hatred was as bad as murder because it is the root of this sin (Matthew 5:21-22).

Most of us probably wouldn’t think of murdering someone, but for Adventists, this commandment is also about valuing and protecting life in general.

7. “You shall not commit adultery”

The seventh commandment protects the marriage commitment. It prohibits any behavior that would hurt marital faithfulness and break the trust and safety of that relationship (Hebrews 13:4). These include behaviors such as viewing pornography, harboring lustful [selfish] thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), and sex outside of marriage (Galatians 5:19).

8. “You shall not steal”

A thief trying to break into a building with a crowbar

Image by Kris from Pixabay

It might be obvious that taking what doesn’t belong to you is wrong. But Adventists believe in following this commandment even in the more subtle areas:

  • Being honest with our taxes
  • Following laws of copyright
  • Working faithfully when clocked in at work

9. “You shall not bear false witness”

Two teenagers gossiping about another teenager

Photo by Keira Burton

When you hear of “false witness,” you might think of the witness oath to tell “the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” But this commandment also has to do with honesty in our day-to-day relationships.

It means:

  • Not gossiping
  • Verifying information before passing it along
  • Not telling white lies
  • Not giving a wrong impression through body language

The idea is that we should realize how the things we say and do can affect how other people view someone. So we should avoid saying or doing things that might unfairly or inaccurately represent someone.

10. “You shall not covet”

Covetousness is an “eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth or possessions.”

In a society that is saturated in materialism, this may be one of our greatest temptations. Social media, advertisements, celebrities, movie or TV characters…these things constantly encourage us to want what we don’t have.

The latest car. The newest iPhone. The trending styles.

Keeping the tenth commandment, then, is really about contentment and gratitude for God’s gifts. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 reminds us:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (NKJV).

The Ten Commandments help us thrive

A little boy holding a Bible and smiling

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

To Adventists, keeping the Ten Commandments is not about saving ourselves by our works or doing enough good deeds to get into heaven.

Instead, it’s about allowing the Spirit of God to work in us so that we can live the most fulfilling lives possible. It’s about aligning with the way He designed us to thrive.

And truly, why wouldn’t we want to live in a way that leads to so much beauty, peace, and harmony?

In our selfishness, we become blind to those benefits. Sometimes it can feel so difficult to live a principled life when the people or situations around us don’t also uphold those principles. But when we allow Jesus to change us, He gives us a new mindset that longs to live in harmony with His plan (Ezekiel 36:26).

Related pages

Questions about Adventists? Ask here!

Find answers to your questions about Seventh-day Adventists

More Answers

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

As a Protestant Christian denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the Bible as the ultimate guide and looks to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. We do have some differences of belief or interpretation when it comes to topics like Bible prophecy, end-time events, the Sabbath, and a person’s state after death.

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

Most Seventh-day Adventist funeral services are similar to those of other Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Baptists, or Presbyterians, but you might find a few differences or unique nuances.

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

No, Adventists definitely don’t believe they’re the only ones that will go to heaven. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe admittance into heaven is ever based on which church or denomination we belong to. People all over the world from different Christian denominations, religions, and walks of life will be welcomed by Jesus.

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

Children’s Sabbath School is a Bible program offered every Sabbath at Adventist churches for children from birth to age 18. These classes give children the chance to learn Bible stories, make new friends, and participate in fun activities.

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Jesus Christ’s resurrection, celebrated on many Easter-related holidays, is central to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And that means we seek every opportunity to remember it.

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has about 118 tertiary schools around the world. Though many of them are within North America, you’ll also find Adventist universities in countries across the world—places like Croatia, Austria, Brazil, Madagascar, and the Philippines.

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission from the beginning has been to share God’s truth in the Bible. And as times have changed, we’ve explored new ways of doing this—one of those being movies.

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.

Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

Although camp meetings didn’t begin with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they’re as much an Adventist thing as haystacks.
Camp meeting is an extended event for Adventists (and non-Adventists) of all ages to gather and participate in spiritual seminars and activities. During the event, attendees often camp in tents, campers, or RVs.

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Whether you heard about the Seventh-day Adventist Church through a traveling evangelist, during your online searches, or through a loved one or relative, you might be considering joining yourself.

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

For Christians, dedication ceremonies for babies, also for older children, are an important time for parents and the church. It’s a special part of the worship service when parents present their young children to God and the church family. Both parents, along with the congregation, regard this as a solemn promise to be a Christ-like example to the child.

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Like many Christian denominations, Adventists regularly participate in communion, also referred to as the “Lord’s Supper” or the “Last Supper.” They also practice foot washing (John 13:1-20), or the “ordinance of humility,” during the service—which isn’t as common.

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Yes, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate birthdays because we see them as excellent reminders of the life God has blessed us with. And we celebrate them the same way everyone else does—with friends, family, presents, and a special meal.

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola scriptura is a term that originated during the Protestant Reformation. It represents the way many Christians view the Bible and its authority. While the idea is simple enough, there is so much more to sola scriptura than its basic definition.

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

In recent years, the age group often classified as “young adults” has been trickier to engage. It’s been a significant concern for Christian churches around the world. Though interestingly enough, similar observations regarding young adults have been coming up in conversations about the economy, the entertainment industry, politics, and more.

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

The answer to this question is simply, “no.”

When it comes to salvation in Jesus Christ, all that is required of a person is to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for us, believe that He has saved us, and claim the free gift of salvation that is always available to us. Salvation is not based on denomination.

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Of course not. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church has never included any dietary requirements. However, there might be some reasons people might think that. So many Adventists are vegetarians or even vegan, and a plant-based lifestyle has many health benefits.

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

The Seventh-day Adventist Church uses a variety of methods to spread the hope of the gospel to the world. One of these ways is through colporteuring, also called “canvassing” or “literature evangelism.”

What Is an Adventist Book Center (ABC)?

What Is an Adventist Book Center (ABC)?

When you walk into any one of the many Adventist Book Center (ABC) locations, chances are you’ll be greeted by pleasant gospel music in the background, friendly employees, and row after row of Christian books, movies, Bibles, study guides, kids’ games, and more.

Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!

We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.